Silver dollars with the Draped Bust design were struck on planchets made from a composition of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, the regular alloy at that time for all silver denominations. The coins have a standard weight of 26.96 grams (416 grains) and have a diameter of approximately 39.5 millimeters. As a result of the somewhat primitive circumstances in which these pieces were produced, slight variations are possible.
The edge is lettered “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” with decorations between the words. No indication of the value of the coin is made on either the obverse or reverse.
Production quality for these large and heavy silver coins varies greatly. Most Draped Bust Dollars will show weakness in one or more spots, in particular the centers of both sides and the obverse stars. Adjustment marks made by the Mint to adjust the planchet weight before striking remain common, and usually do not detract from the value.
Coin Specifications
- Dates: 1795-1804
- Designer: Robert Scot
- Weight: 26.96 grams
- Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
- Diameter: 39.5 mm
